Colombia's squad to secure World Cup qualification

Midfielder James Rodriguez, from Leon, and Liverpool winger Luis Diaz head the list of call-ups for the matches in the 13th and 14th rounds of South American World Cup qualifiers, where Colombia will aim to seal their place in the 2026 World Cup.

The team, managed by Argentine coach Nestor Lorenzo, will visit Brazil on March 20 at the Mane Garrincha stadium in Brasilia, before hosting Paraguay five days later, on the 25th, at the Metropolitano stadium in Barranquilla.

The Cafeteros are currently fourth with 19 points and need 5 points to qualify for next year's World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico. However, depending on other results, they could secure their place with fewer points.

The main novelties for Colombia's next double-header are winger Marino Hinestroza, from Atletico Nacional, who has been called up for the first time, and midfielder Jaminton Campaz, from Rosario Central, who returns to the squad after being absent since 2023.

Other regulars in the squad include central defender Davinson Sanchez (Galatasaray), full-back Daniel Munoz (Crystal Palace), midfielder Jhon Arias (Fluminense) and forwards Jhon Cordoba (Krasnodar) and Jhon Jader Duran (Al Nassr), who has impressed with his performances for the Arab club.

Goalkeepers: Camilo Vargas (Atlas-MEX), David Ospina (Atletico Nacional), and Alvaro Montero (Millonarios).

Defenders: Carlos Cuesta (Galatasaray-TUR), Jhon Lucumi (Bologna-ITA), Daniel Munoz (Crystal Palace-ENG), Santiago Arias (Bahia-BRA), Johan Mojica (Mallorca-ESP), Yerry Mina (Cagliari-ITA), Davinson Sanchez (Galatasaray-TUR), and Cristian Borja (America-MEX).

Midfielders: Kevin Castano (River Plate-ARG), Jorge Carrascal (Dinamo Moscow-RUS), James Rodriguez (Leon-MEX), Richard Rios (Palmeiras-BRA), Jaminton Campaz (Rosario Central-ARG), Jefferson Lerma (Crystal Palace-ENG), Juan Fernando Quintero (America de Cali), Juan Camilo Portilla (Talleres-ARG), and Jhon Arias (Fluminense-BRA).

Forwards: Jhon Jader Duran (Al Nassr-ARA), Luis Diaz (Liverpool-ENG), Rafael Santos Borre (Internacional-BRA), Jhon Cordoba (Krasnodar-RUS), Luis Sinisterra (Bournemouth-ENG), and Marino Hinestroza (Atletico Nacional).